A Tribute to the Rat Pack

A slightly out of town review by Michelle E. Malik

 Who says that Vegas only breeds chintz, hordes, and sin? If you chance to wonder off the beaten track to the older, nobler side of Las Vegas, you will encounter a scene, almost taken right out of time, at the old Greek Isles Hotel and Casino. The boys of the Old Rat Pack are back in tribute to regale us with swinging stories and heartfelt song in Sandy Hackett’s unrivaled production of The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean. While the players slightly resemble the originals, their magnetic interpretations of Hackett’s superlative script and the delightful musical accompaniment of the Tribute Band, are second to none, blowing every other Rat Pack tribute show in Las Vegas or Los Angeles for that matter out of the water.

 Back on the stage at the height of their successful run as the kings of the Las Vegas strip, we have Henry Prego as the unflinching tough guy Frank Sinatra with his suave charm and chairman status intact. Luis Velez is outstanding as Sammy Davis Jr., belting out “What Kind of Fool Am I” and “Bojangles” with tremendous flair, grace, and respect. Pete Willcox is excellent as the old gruff-voice, loveable boozer, Deano. What’s a Rat Pack performance without the quintessential 1960s icon, Marilyn Monroe, captured in all her smoky, sexpot allure by Stacey Nicole? Last but not least is the show’s writer and co-producer, comedian, singer, actor, Sandy Hackett as Joey Bishop, the goofy but endearing comic of the crew. Sandy Hackett, the son of comedian Buddy Hackett, was once a neighbor of Joey, the last surviving member of the Rat Pack.

 NYU graduate Billy Karl directed the show, making the project feel effortless for the players. Sandy Hackett’s partner and co-producer Dick Feeney also produces two other hit shows in town, Viva Las Vegas now in its 15th year and Breck Wall's Bottoms Up. Dick also created and owns the Flying Elvis.

 If you were thinking of going out Las Vegas way, The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean is a wonderful reason to make the trip. To find out about show times, check out the show’s site at http://www.thetributetotheratpack.com/ or call for tickets at (702)737-5540.

Me with Sandy Hackett after the show.